A motorist about to set off in his car for work was suddenly confronted by a drunken man with a bottle in both hands demanding his keys.

And he later saw the man throw a large paving slab through the windscreen of another car.

Louise Pryke, prosecuting, told Leeds Crown Court yesterday it was around 6.30am on August 25 when Steven Winter suddenly opened the passenger door of the car which was parked in Browning Road, Sheepridge, asking for Steve.

The driver, Daniel Stephens, said he did not know anyone of that name. He could tell Winter had been drinking or was on drugs and was then ordered to hand over the car keys.

At that stage only one bottle containing liquid was visible in one hand but it scared him. He switched the engine off and got out of the car throwing the keys under the driver’s seat.

He could then see Winter had a bottle in both hands and grabbed him by his forearms to prevent him swinging them telling him he was not having the keys.

As another male joined Winter, Mr Stephens got back into the car and drove it away. But almost straight afterwards Winter was seen throwing stones at another vehicle.

The owner looked out to see him then throwing a large paving slab through the windscreen causing an estimated £1,000 damage.

When arrested Winter said he had consumed a large amount of drink and drugs the evening before and could not remember anything. Miss Pryke said his parents had offered to pay for the damage. She told the court Winter had six previous convictions for public order offences.

Gillian Batts, representing Winter, said he had consistently offended over the years until around four years ago he had got work and largely kept out of trouble since.

He had a reference from his employer.

She said: “He has come here today expecting a custodial sentence. The only thing that saves him is potentially his job and the negative effect if he were to lose that stabilising influence on his life.”

Winter, 32 of Balmoral Avenue, Crosland Moor, admitted affray and criminal damage and was sentenced to a total of 16 months in prison suspended for two years with 250 hours unpaid work.

Judge Sally Cahill QC said the incident at the car must have been “scary” for the victim while the damage to the other car had caused enormous inconvenience to the self-employed owner.

“It was the most appalling piece of anti-social behaviour,” she said but said she was prepared to give him a chance. “If you breach it you are going to prison next time.”